Raleigh, N.C. – Smith Anderson Associate Sharita Whitaker has been named a winner of a Leaders in Diversity Award by the Triangle Business Journal. The award was presented at a special luncheon Sept. 10 at the Raleigh Marriott City Center.

Now in its third year, the Leaders in Diversity Awards program recognizes the accomplishments of Triangle businesses, individuals and nonprofits as they strive to reflect the essential, unique array of our community. Triangle Business Journal staff conducted judging with assistance from several Triangle-area business leaders.

Whitaker is a member of Smith Anderson’s Real Estate Development Group and focuses her practice in the areas of commercial real estate and real estate development. She assists clients with real estate acquisitions, dispositions and leasing; title disputes; public utility real estate issues; right-of-way acquisitions; condemnation/eminent domain actions; and easement negotiation and drafting.

Her professional and community involvement includes serving as chair of the North Carolina State Bar Association’s Minorities in the Profession Committee, co-chair of the Committee’s ¡Adelante! Moving Forward program, and volunteer with Legal Aid of North Carolina’s Lawyer on the Line program.

“Law students and attorneys from all walks of life know and respect Sharita,” said Margaret Rosenfeld, partner at Smith Anderson. “What she has accomplished at her age is a true source of inspiration for countless numbers of young lawyers, and I believe we have only seen the beginning of the impact she will make on the legal community.”

For more information about Smith Anderson, visit www.SmithLaw.com or call 919-821-1220.

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About Smith Anderson

Founded in 1912, Smith Anderson has grown to become the largest business and litigation law firm headquartered in the Research Triangle region and one of the largest in North Carolina. We provide a full range of legal services to a diverse and dynamic group of regional, national and international companies. Over 100 years of practicing law has grounded our Firm’s culture, informed our perspective, and provided us the insight necessary to help our clients succeed. Over time, our core principles have remained unchanged. We remain personally dedicated to the success, prosperity and betterment of our clients and the communities we serve. For more information, please visit www.SmithLaw.com.